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CAE from The U assists with Gifford Park fall cleanup

VERMILLION, S.D. -- Students from The University of South Dakota recently traveled to Omaha, Neb., where they volunteered at the Gifford Park Community Garden. The event was part of the ongoing partnership between The U’s Center for Academic Engagement (CAE) and the Gifford Park Community Association.

USD students worked with more than 20 community members, several local children and students from Creighton University to weed and mulch flower beds and prepare plots for the winter. Other activities included waterproofing fences, planting bulbs and clearing trash from a nearby playground. They also had an opportunity to learn about the benefits of a community garden by speaking with local residents at an evening potluck.

"I thought it was a great trip. I made new friends and helped keep a neighborhood garden beautiful," mentioned Keith Smith, a senior from Omaha and one of three students from USD to volunteer their services at Gifford Park.

Over the past two years, CAE from USD has traveled to Omaha four times to assist the neighborhood with their biannual clean-up days. Chris Foster, who helped start the community garden, said he appreciated USD’s assistance each semester. “The USD students were a huge help to our neighborhood, park and community garden,” he added. “We accomplished almost everything we had hoped for.”